P0258
Stop drivingFuel Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control 'B' Low
Code P0258 means your fuel injection pump's metering control is low. Common causes: High-pressure fuel pump (60%), metering valve (20%), wiring (10%). Drivability: No, stop driving. Repair cost: $100-$500 DIY, $800-$4000 professional.
Can I Drive With P0258?
No, stop driving
Immediate repair needed
Stop driving immediately if: Engine stalls, won't start, significant power loss, or any abnormal engine noises.
Symptoms of P0258
- 1Engine cranks but won't start
- 2Engine stalls unexpectedly
- 3Significant loss of engine power
- 4Rough idling or misfires
- 5Black smoke from the exhaust
- 6Engine enters 'limp mode'
Common Causes of P0258
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
The high-pressure fuel pump itself is failing internally or its integrated metering unit is faulty, preventing proper fuel delivery.
60% of P0258 cases are fixed by replacing the high-pressure fuel pump
This valve, often part of or connected to the HPFP, is stuck or faulty, failing to regulate the correct amount of fuel entering the pump.
20% of P0258 cases are fixed by replacing the fuel metering valve
Damaged wires or corroded connectors prevent the Engine Control Module (ECM) from properly communicating with or powering the fuel metering control.
10% of P0258 cases are fixed by repairing wiring or connectors
A faulty fuel rail pressure sensor provides incorrect readings to the ECM, causing it to command or perceive low fuel metering.
5% of P0258 cases are fixed by replacing the fuel rail pressure sensor
A severely clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow to the high-pressure pump, starving it and causing the metering control to register low fuel delivery.
5% of P0258 cases are fixed by replacing the fuel filter
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Check your fuel level – running low on fuel can sometimes trigger fuel pressure codes.
- Inspect the fuel filter for signs of extreme dirt or sludge, and check its last replacement date.
- Visually inspect all accessible fuel lines for leaks or damage.
How to Diagnose P0258
- 1Check for other related fuel system codes (P0087, P0251-P0260).
- 2Visually inspect the wiring harness and connectors to the high-pressure fuel pump and metering valve for damage or corrosion.
- 3Using a scan tool, monitor live fuel pressure data (both low and high pressure) while cranking or running the engine.
- 4Perform a fuel pressure test on both the low-pressure and high-pressure sides of the system.
- 5Test the resistance and operation of the fuel metering valve/actuator using a multimeter and scan tool.
- 6Test the fuel rail pressure sensor for accurate readings.
- 7If all other components check out, suspect the high-pressure fuel pump.
P0258 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-Series (Powerstroke)
2003-2024P0258 on Powerstroke engines often indicates a failing high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) or issues with the fuel quantity control valve (FQCV) which is part of the HPFP. Fuel contamination or extended fuel filter change intervals can contribute.
75% fixed by replacing HPFP or FQCV
Ram (Cummins)
2007-2024For Cummins engines, P0258 can be triggered by a failing CP3 or CP4 high-pressure fuel pump, or a faulty fuel pressure regulator (FPR) which acts as the metering valve. Check for metal shavings in the fuel filter housing, indicating HPFP failure.
70% fixed by replacing HPFP or FPR
Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra (Duramax)
2001-2024Duramax engines with P0258 commonly suffer from high-pressure fuel pump (CP3/CP4) failure or issues with the fuel pressure regulator (FPR). Contaminated fuel is a known accelerator for these failures. Always check for fuel system leaks.
70% fixed by replacing HPFP or FPR
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0258 mean?
P0258 indicates that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected an issue with the fuel metering control for the 'B' circuit of the fuel injection pump, specifically that the fuel delivery is lower than expected.
Can I drive with P0258?
No, stop driving. This code points to a critical fuel delivery problem that can cause your engine to stall, lose power, or not start at all. Driving with this issue risks further engine damage and leaves you stranded.
Will P0258 clear itself?
No, P0258 will not clear itself. This code signifies a hard fault in the fuel delivery system that requires diagnosis and repair. The underlying mechanical or electrical issue must be fixed before the code will clear.
How do I fix P0258 myself?
Fixing P0258 yourself involves checking for wiring damage, testing the fuel metering valve, and potentially replacing the fuel filter. However, diagnosing and replacing the high-pressure fuel pump or fuel rail pressure sensor often requires specialized tools and expertise.
How much does it cost to fix P0258?
DIY costs range from $100-$500 for parts like a fuel filter, metering valve, or sensor. Professional repair costs can be $800-$4000, largely due to the high cost of a new high-pressure fuel pump and significant labor.
P0258 keeps coming back - why?
P0258 keeps coming back because the root cause was not fully addressed. This often happens if a component like the fuel metering valve was replaced, but the actual problem lies with the high-pressure fuel pump itself, or if there's an intermittent wiring issue.
Will P0258 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0258 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. A check engine light illuminated for this code indicates a significant issue with the fuel system, which directly impacts engine performance and emissions.
What's the difference between P0258 and P0087?
P0258 specifically points to a low signal or insufficient control from the fuel injection pump's metering unit. P0087 indicates a general 'Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low' condition, which can be caused by many factors, including a P0258 issue, but also a faulty fuel pump, clogged filter, or leaky injector.
P0258 on Ford Powerstroke
On Ford Powerstroke engines (6.0L, 6.4L, 6.7L), P0258 frequently points to issues with the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) or the fuel quantity control valve (FQCV) which is often integrated. Contaminated fuel or a failing HPFP are common culprits.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you check the actual fuel pressure on both the low and high-pressure sides with a dedicated gauge, not just a scan tool?
Good answer: Yes, I verified the low-pressure pump is delivering X PSI and the high-pressure pump is building Y PSI at crank/idle, which is below spec. We also checked for any leaks.
What did you find when testing the fuel metering valve or fuel pressure regulator?
Good answer: The metering valve's resistance is out of spec, or it's not responding to commands from the scan tool, indicating an internal failure. Or, it's working, but the pump isn't building pressure.
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$100-$500
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$800-$4000
Save $700-$3500 by doing it yourself (if the issue is minor)
Difficulty
advanced
Time
4-12 hours
Professional recommended - This code involves complex, high-pressure diesel fuel systems that require specialized tools, knowledge, and extreme caution to avoid injury or further damage.
Cost of Waiting
Ignoring P0258 will lead to your vehicle becoming undrivable. Continued attempts to start or drive with insufficient fuel pressure can cause further damage to the high-pressure fuel pump, fuel injectors, and potentially the engine itself. A critical fuel system failure can leave you stranded and turn a potentially repairable issue into a much more expensive complete system overhaul.
While You're In There...
If you're diagnosing fuel system issues, a fresh fuel filter is a cheap and easy preventative measure, especially if the old one's history is unknown.
If you're replacing the high-pressure pump or working extensively in the fuel rail area, replacing an older fuel pressure sensor can prevent future diagnostic headaches.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II scan tool with live data capability
- Fuel pressure gauge (high-pressure capable, 0-30,000 PSI for common rail)
- Multimeter
- Basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets)
- Torque wrench
- Fuel line disconnect tools
- Safety glasses and gloves
P0258 is a serious code, but it's a known issue on many diesel engines. With proper diagnosis, you can get your truck back on the road reliably.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Connect an advanced scan tool to monitor live fuel pressure data (both low and high pressure) while cranking and at idle. Compare readings to manufacturer specifications.
Step 2: If fuel pressure is low, inspect the wiring and connectors to the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel metering valve for any damage or corrosion. Test the metering valve's electrical resistance.
Step 3: If wiring and the metering valve check out, the most likely culprit is the high-pressure fuel pump itself. Parts you'll likely need include a new high-pressure fuel pump and potentially a new fuel filter.